The Role of Peripheral Isolation in Adaptive Radiation

物种的永久丧失，即所谓的灭绝，正以快速增长的速度在全球范围内发生。从长远来看，只有物种形成的过程才能增加物种的数量。这个项目将研究小而孤立的种群在达尔文雀类快速物种形成中所起的作用，这为进化研究提供了一个模型系统。研究人员将使用不同的分子标记，包括最近开发的DNA指纹方法，比较加拉帕戈斯群岛许多岛屿种群的鸟类。这些数据将提供一个难得的机会，对许多科学家认为非常常见的物种形成模式进行批判性评估。自然保护区的设计主要是为了保护现有物种免于灭绝，但这些设计也可能影响未来的物种形成。该项目将提供有关地理在物种形成中的作用的有价值的信息。该项目的资金将用于培训一名博士后研究员、研究生和本科生。这些研究机会与现有的主办机构计划相吻合，这些计划包括为研究提供课程学分，支持独立研究，以及针对传统上代表性不足的群体提供奖学金。对加拉帕戈斯生物的普遍兴趣也将为公众提供关于进化过程的教育机会。

The permanent loss of species, called extinction, is occurring on a global scale at a rapidly increasing rate. Over the long term, only the process of speciation can increase the number of species. This project will investigate the role played by small, isolated populations in the rapid speciation of Darwin's finches, which provide a model system for evolutionary research. The investigators will compare birds from many island populations in the Galapagos, using different molecular markers and including recently developed methods of DNA fingerprinting. These data will provide a rare opportunity to critically evaluate what many scientists believe to be a very common mode of speciation. Nature reserves are designed primarily to protect existing species from extinction, but these designs may also affect future speciation. This project will provide valuable information about the role of geography in speciation. Funding for this project will support the training of a post-doctoral researcher, graduate students and undergraduates. These research opportunities dovetail with existing host institution programs that include course credit for research, support for independent research, and fellowships that target traditionally underrepresented groups. The general interest in Galapagos organisms will also provide opportunities to educate the public about evolutionary processes.